A lot of people, when they reach a certain age, are reluctant to accept training. That’s not true for me—I’m very open to it. I’d had communication training over my career, but the preparation for our IPO was much more intensive. Before I did my first TV interview, for instance, I probably spent more than eight hours doing mock interviews. I believe that the key to success in communication is preparation. By the time I gave the first road-show pitch to investors, I’d rehearsed it at least 40 times.

Wonderful words from a CEO! As IR professionals, most of us have had the opposite experience: an exec who is too busy to practice and thinks it’s OK to wing it because, after all, who knows the story better?

Ask the people who listen to investor presentations: The CEO, CFO or IRO who is practiced and prepared will always have a greater impact than the one who fumbles with his thoughts – or just reads the script.

It’s good to hear Mr. Alaix endorse the most basic rule of speech making: rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! I’m sure Zoetis is well-served in its communications – and other areas – by this kind of diligence.